Plastic bins have saved me more than once—learned that the hard way after a cardboard box full of tenant paperwork turned into mush during a basement leak. I’d add, check those window wells if you’ve got a basement. One year, leaves clogged mine and the water just poured in. Not glamorous work, but a quick sweep every fall has made a big difference. Downspout extenders are cheap insurance too—sometimes the simplest fixes are the most effective.
- Totally with you on the plastic bins—learned my lesson after a soggy box of holiday decorations.
- I’d add: keep a cheap wet/dry vac handy. Saved my butt last spring when water snuck in behind the furnace.
- Door snakes (or even old towels) at basement doors can buy you some time if things get dicey.
- Not sure about window wells being everyone’s issue, but if you’ve got ‘em, yeah...leaves are sneaky little troublemakers.
- Downspout extenders are underrated, seriously. Five bucks at the hardware store beats mopping all weekend.
Totally agree on the wet/dry vac—mine’s basically paid for itself at this point. Downspout extenders are one of those things you don’t think about until you’re ankle-deep in water, then suddenly they’re genius. Window wells were never a problem for me until last fall…one clogged up and, yeah, lesson learned. Good tips all around.
Downspout extenders are one of those things you don’t think about until you’re ankle-deep in water, then suddenly they’re genius.
Couldn’t agree more—downspout extenders are underrated until you really need them. I’d also add checking your sump pump before heavy rain. I learned the hard way last year when mine quit mid-storm...not fun. And yeah, those window wells—clearing out leaves every fall is a must, even if it feels pointless at the time.
I’d also add checking your sump pump before heavy rain. I learned the hard way last year when mine quit mid-storm...not fun.
- Test backup batteries on sump pumps—seen too many folks trust them and get burned.
- Keep sandbags handy if you’re in a low spot. Saved my basement once.
- Don’t forget to check for cracks in foundation walls. Even small ones can let water in fast.
- Gutter cleaning isn’t just for fall...clogged gutters are a big reason water ends up where it shouldn’t.
